I don't know why roofed bikes and bike-caravans have appealed to me so much for years. They are expensive and take up a lot of space at home. I probably won't buy one. And yet I'm always looking to see what's new in this area.
They would be handy in spring and autumn. So here's my list which velomobiles are available with a roof:
- Quadvelo https://www.quadvelo.com/
- Podbike https://www.podbike.com
- BAYK https://bayk.ag/newsticker/
- Onomotion https://onomotion.com/blog/
- Citkar https://www.mubea-umobility.com/insights/blog
- Hopper https://hopper-mobility.com/
And which may be ready for series production in 2025:
- ELF https://organictransit.com/ (Study according to "Das MÖ")
- Pedilio https://www.pedilio.de/
- iris https://www.grantsinclair.com/product-page/iris-etrike-electric-vehicle
- Twike https://twike.com/
- Veemo SE https://veemo.ca
In my opinion, it would be enough for a cargo-bike manufacturer to offer an optional roof like the one built by "Ekki Mobil". (picture in title) A cargo-bike with a box at the front would be ideal. It would also be much cheaper than any of the velomobiles listed above. What do you think about it?
That looks like it would be hell to pedal in any kind of headwind!
With a headwind, sure. But with a crosswind, you can (accidentally) fly!
Like in E.T.??
Any kind of breeze. FTFY
I feel like headwinds would be less of a problem than tacking into the wind.
Can't take your hands off the bars and lean back for a little bit of comfort and a stretch.
Electric motors can help with that :)
It isn't exactly efficient use of energy thoufh and as others have also said it would cause serious safety problems with wind coming from other directions.
Dressing appropriately for the weather would be a far better solution.